Home Depot eyes holidays, heaters and lightweight drywall

During Home Depot's third-quarter earnings call, Craig Menear, executive VP merchandising, pointed to several examples of new products and trends worth watching.

"We continue to execute our portfolio strategy and drive results from our investments in merchandising category resets, new product introductions and the implementation of everyday great value," Menear said.

Among the highlights for the fourth quarter:

• Heaters, fireplaces and snow removal equipment; • An expansion of Klein tools for professional electricians; • USG lightweight drywall -- 30% lighter than regular panels; and • A new line of epoxy grout from Customer Building Products -- no sealing required, he said.

During the third quarter, products that outperformed the company's average comp were lumber, garden, electrical and lighting, he said.

Water conservation has also been a hit with customers, he said, mentioning the company's Glacier Bay Dual Flush toilets and the HydroRight Dual Flush Conversion Kit.

It's also beginning to look a lot like Christmas inside the stores.

"We leaned into the holiday season this year and increased our buys," Menear said. "Holiday decors are an inexpensive way for our customers to update and feel good about their homes."